The London Skolars ‘A’ travelled to Essex to take on Eastern Rhinos at Colchester Rugby Club on Saturday, in what has turned out to be their final regular league match of the season. Both teams played the game in good spirits and the contact in defence was some of the best seen all season.
A slow start due to surrendering of possession through unforced errors saw Skolars take a 12-6 lead into half time. Straight after the break it was the Rhinos who scored next to bring it back to 12-10 in favour of the North London team. It was here that the game took a turn and the Skolars found the gear they knew they had but failed to bring so far. From the 12-10 margin, Skolars through some great play through Austen Aggrey and Aaron Small (who both scored in each half) helped stretch their lead out to 36-10. With the game seemingly in hand, Skolars took the foot off the accelerator and allowed Eastern Rhinos back into the match.
Rhinos to their credit never threw in the towel and the Skolars leaked three tries to allow the Rhinos to get within 10 points to make the final score 36-26. Special mention to Sam Blayden who put a great shot on from our own line when we were struggling to get back which saved a potential Rhinos try. The result confirmed London Skolars ‘A’ as minor premiers of the Southern Premier.
Next weekend sees the ‘A’ team in the Cup final against Portsmouth Navy Seahawks at New River Stadium, kick off to be confirmed.
Tries: Aggrey 2, Small 2, Oyebade, Cawthorn
Goals: G. Vickers 6/6
- Angelo Thomas
- Charlie Oyebade
- Aaron Small
- James Fletcher
- Chris Vickers
- Greg Vickers
- Jermaine Coleman
- Austen Aggrey
- Michael Cawthorn
- Louie Robinson
- Ollie Bloom
- Cariern Clement-Pascall
- Dion Chapman
- Sam Blayden
- Cameron Gall
- Craig Lawson
- David Hacke
- Randall Powell
Half time score: 12-6
Full time score: 36-26